“Laurent wants a bench and a new opportunity to work. Roma are a good club, albeit with a particular type of pressure around them. If it is officially confirmed, then I’m very happy for him.”

This evening there are reports that Blanc has already agreed a two-year contract and a formal announcement could be made this evening with Alain Boghossian and Vincent Candela in his staff.

However, there are other suggestions that Roma are hesitating over the decision and would prefer an Italian tactician.

After Massimiliano Allegri opted to remain with Milan, there are few alternatives left for the Giallorossi.

Roberto Mancini is said to be unwilling to take the job after he was sacked by Manchester City, while Roberto Donadoni (Parma) Stefano Pioli (Bologna) and Stefano Colantuono (Atalanta) are under contract.

There was even a rumour in the Italian media that former Inter boss Andrea Stramaccioni put himself forward, but that Roma did not consider him suitable.

Before moving to Inter, Stramaccioni had been the youth team Coach at Roma.